A Personal Experience Story
Early July, 2017
I sit here at the hospice facility waiting by the bedside of my mother-in-law whose every breath is measured. The room is bright, with two windows letting in much light. My MIL (mother-in-law) is in a large hospital bed which has thick, comfortable padding.
This is a lonely vigil, one that has caused me deep reflection on life and death.
My MIL appears tragically suspended between these two dimensions holding on to each moment of life. Probably fearing what is to come. She has dementia and the nurses here believe that those with this condition remain in this other-worldly limbo for longer because they are more confused. Her body is skeletal — just skin and bones. Her skin is paper thin and her face has a sunken appearance. She cannot see at all and can only hear a little bit.
It has all been a truly emotionally demanding, difficult journey with her. My husband works a long commute away in Manhattan and he does not have many days off, so the day to day vigil with my MIL is up to me. And I do not want her to spend her last days on this earth alone in a hospice facility without a family member by her side. So I do my best to be there for her. And I do Reiki for her at every visit.
The doctors originally suggested when she was moved from hospital into hospice that in her already weakened state that the dying process would not likely take more than 2 days. However, she lasted 10 days in this barely-alive state (with no food or water), and then quietly slipped away one afternoon, maybe just ten minutes before I arrived for my visit. Somehow I had hoped to be there, perhaps holding her hand, when she left her physical body, but she chose an exit point of when she was alone. She always did things on her own unique terms anyway, so why should her point of departure be any different?
She had never been a very demonstrative woman, and found it hard to discuss emotions. But while she was still conscious and in the hospital before she had been moved into hospice, I told her that I love her. And after a long pause, she said “I love you too. And you are always there for me.” Those were her last meaningful words to me, and they comforted and sustained me through the ensuing hospice period which was the saddest last leg of her journey here in the physical plane, and where she was not able to really communicate anymore.
I believe my MIL is finally at peace now, perhaps reconnecting with her husband who had predeceased her by many years as well as many other family members and friends. I like to think she is very light now — as pure positive energy — a spirit soaring free from that totally old and broken physical body that she became in the last months/years of her life.
This hospice vigil was a totally humbling experience for me. It was a time of reflection. And this is what flowed from my heart one day as I sat by my MIL’s bedside…
This is what life is — the poignancy of these vivid moments in the midst of challenge. The ones that feel keen and filled with emotion. It is not easy. But these remind us of the tangibility of our physical journeys. The sharp, stark contrast of these moments fraught with turbulence teach us how life is truly a blessing and a privilege… how love is the essence of what we are.
If we can learn that lesson, our days here will certainly be enriched.
Affirmations:
- I strive to be present in the NOW moment.
- I maintain the attitude that life is a gift — each moment, each day is a blessing!
- Both the bittersweet and the smooth moments of my life shape my journey — I choose to learn from all my experiences…
Positive Attitude – Choices and Reactions
By · Comments“You create your own reality” — that is the catch phrase for this current time of spiritual evolution and accelerated soul development.
Have you integrated the energy of this concept into your daily life? Do you feel that you are a “powerful creator” of your life experience?
It is an enlightened time we live in — to even be able to come to an understanding that our thoughts/feelings/emotions/attitude can determine what we attract into our lives and our circumstances. It is “freeing” to know that we have a say — and a thought — into shaping our daily existence.
Years ago, most people held the belief that each of us is almost like a puppet, tossed about on the strings of life, just experiencing whatever life throws our way. We did not realize that we have so many choices and free will to make decisions about where we are headed. Life is not something that simply happens to us in a random way.
In more recent times we have come to the knowing that yes, we surely DO have the strong potential to invite those things that are significant to us, joyful to us, optimistic to us, into our day-to-day reality. That knowing is a kind of epiphany.
So now we begin to embrace the knowing, this understanding, of how to be a conscious creator. We know we need to reach for JOY, for LOVE, for OPTIMISM, and PEACE. We can become stronger and more focused in our soul/life path.
Yet being a conscious creator, a liver of the Law of Attraction, does not guarantee that our lives will be 100% positive all the time. For we are still humans living a physical life and part of our experience on planet Earth is dealing with periods of challenge or turbulence. We simply cannot control everything that comes across our life path, because we do not live in a vacuum. We interact with so many others along our journeys.
It is important to hold on to that inner strength of “Conscious Creator” when challenges/obstacles arise. And know you can remain strong and peaceful within. It all has to do with how you react. And you certainly have a choice as to how you react!
For it is this way that one reacts that determines your coping mechanism and ultimately how you will deal and heal. You can choose to handle these situations with powerful inner guidance, patience and stability.
So BE that Conscious Creator — be aware of what you attract into your life, and be aware that you CAN persevere through challenges as well. The flow of life will be easier and you will be more harmonious, more serene and better aligned with the stream of well-being!
Affirmations:
- I am a Conscious Creator and know that my thoughts and feelings determine my reality.
- I choose to remain peaceful and non-reactive when difficult situations arise and know that I can weather the storm of challenges.
- I know that positive thoughts and a feel-good attitude help me be in the flow of abundance and well-being!
Positive Attitude – Immerse in Joyful Moments
By · CommentsDo you sometimes catch yourself in sudden, beautiful awareness that you are filled with a supreme sense of joy? Just being in that moment when your heart feels light and your spirit is uplifted and all is right with the world?
Being happy all the time does not seem to be a human option here in the physical world, so we need to develop a keen awareness of “seizing the moment.” Focused mindfulness on those aspects that create a wave of happiness and optimism within our being are a wonderful step.
Everyone goes through challenges — that is a given. But how we react is a personal choice. And finding those unique moments of joy even within challenging times is essential for our well being. It jumpstarts and enhances our inner strength to weather the obstacles.
So I ask you to begin to catch those fascinating, life inspiring moments of pure joy. Totally and purely embrace those moments — feel the fine, silky, peacefulness of the flow of life at that instant in time — and savor it! Keep that tangible uplifting, exulting feeling with you. Commit it to “sense memory” so it is something you can reach for at other times…
Sometimes when I am holding or playing with a grandchild, I am filled with such a sense of happiness, serenity and love… and I feel at great peace with the world. Or when my kitties are laying near me or on my lap, cuddling and loving — for me that is sweet joy.
When I take a walk along the trail, listening to my favorite music on my headset, I feel uplifted! When my husband and I are out together, just the two of us, sharing our thoughts, having heartfelt conversation and sharing moments of laughter and fun, that is simply delightful!
And sometimes, just sitting in quiet stillness is so deeply and supremely satisfying.
Whatever feel-good moments work for you are those in which to immerse. Pay attention to those particular components of your own life. Strive to make more of an effort to become consciously aware of the joyful moments, those in which you are aligned with the optimistic stream of harmony and balance.
And when you experience those, hold on to that delectable flavor!
Often when we come to this keen awareness, it becomes easier to find and savor more of these times. And isn’t that what we all wish — to spend more time in the flow of happiness? We need to do the inner work to make that happen…
Affirmations:
- I raise my awareness of those uplifting moments of pure happiness — and savor them!
- In times of challenge, I choose to seek out and focus on those positive and joyful aspects within my reality.
- Finding moments of happiness is a conscious choice I am making more and more!
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Sumérgete en los momentos felices
Por Sheryl Schlmeuss Berger
Traducción de Elena Calderaro
¿Alguna vez has reflexionado conscientemente cuando sientes inmensa felicidad? ¿Cuando en ese justo momento tu corazón está tranquilo, tu espíritu está elevado y todo está bien en tu vida?
Aquí en el mundo físico la felicidad permanente no parece ser una opción humana, por lo tanto necesitamos desarrollar una conciencia aguda para “aprovechar el momento”. Un buen paso para comenzar es enfocando la conciencia en esos aspectos que crean una ola de felicidad y optimismo dentro de nuestro ser.
Todos enfrentamos retos en la vida — es un hecho. Pero cómo reaccionamos es una elección personal. Y encontrar esos ratos excepcionales de felicidad, aún en los momentos desafiantes, es esencial para nuestro bienestar ya que nos dan los bríos necesarios para aumentar nuestra fuerza interior y así afrontar los obstáculos.
Mi consejo es que empieces a reconocer estos fascinantes momentos de gozo total que dan color a la vida. Acoge totalmente estos momentos — siente como la vida fluye, fina, sedosa y pacífica — ¡y disfruta del momento! Conserva esa sensación tangible de júbilo. Internalízala en tu “memoria sensata” para que puedas tener acceso a esta sensación en todo momento…
Algunas veces, cuando cargo a mi nieto en brazos o juego con él, siento gran felicidad, serenidad y amor… y me siento en paz con el mundo. O cuando mis gatos se acuestan cerca de mí o en mis piernas, acurrucados y amoros — esto para mí es felicidad exquisita.
Cuando salgo a caminar por algún sendero con audífonos puestos, escuchando mi música favorita, ¡me siento elevada espiritualmente! Cuando mi marido y yo estamos solos intercambiando ideas, conversando de corazón a corazón y compartiendo momentos de risa y diversión, ¡esto es placer incomparable!
A veces, solamente estar sentada en silencio crea una sensación profunda y extremadamente agradable.
Los momentos que te hacen sentir bien son en los cuales debes sumergirte. Presta atención a esos componentes concretos de tu propia vida. Esmérate en poner de tu parte para tener más conciencia de los momentos alegres, esos que estén alineados con la corriente optimista de armonía y balance.
Y cuando experimentes esos momentos, ¡aférrate a esa deliciosa sensación!
Cuando ya has tomado conciencia, es cada vez más fácil encontrar y saborear momentos semejantes. ¿Y no es esto lo que todos anhelamos? — ¿pasar más tiempo en la corriente de felicidad? Todos debemos trabajar internamente para lograrlo…
Afirmaciones:
• ¡Tomo conciencia de los momentos de pura felicidad — y los disfruto!
• En momentos de desafíos, elijo buscar y enfocarme en los aspectos positivos y felices de mi realidad.
• ¡Encontrar momentos de felicidad es una elección consciente que practico cada vez más!
Sibling Relationships – Estrangement and Disharmony
By · CommentsA Personal Experience Story
Are you one of the fortunate ones — one who has a peaceful, loving bond with your sibling(s)? I wish I could say that I was part of that uplifting group, but sadly and realistically, such is not the case. I have one brother and we are now what I have simply come to call “estranged.”
We have been that way for quite a long while. Maybe for a dozen years or more…
As I am reaching a milestone birthday — a marker in my life where I can definitely make the statement that “this lady has LIFE EXPERIENCE” —I find myself musing and reflecting on my original family relationships, my humble beginnings. And my thoughts drift to my brother, who is a successful professional with a lengthy career, and who is married with two children. I have a grown niece and nephew whom I have not seen since they were babies.
Oddly enough, I am now finding that many of my friends, acquaintances and clients have very similar sibling experiences where there is conflict, challenge and sometimes complete disconnect. Generally, we all start our lives as coming from the same family environment, the strong tie of blood, where I like to believe most of us were encouraged to bond and treat each other well. Then for various reasons, as life progresses, we find ourselves downright strangers, as opposed to sharing warm, close familial bonds.
I am so wondering why this is, and I am sure there are few generalizations, with each case being completely different and unique.
My brother and I, growing up in a small attached home in Brooklyn, were very close. We had an amazing childhood relationship — much fun, play, mock fighting when we were very young, late night talks as young teens. My brother had a sense of joyfulness, levity and looked up to me as his older sister. I was caring and protective of my “little brother.”
However, our family life was less than stellar, and our father had serious emotional issues. I do believe that as a youngster, my brother needed a loving male figure on which to model his own behavior as a boy growing into manhood. My father fell incredibly short on this and my brother and I were exposed to extreme negativity and what I do believe was emotional abuse.
Life circumstances that I experienced as an adult, plus having discovered Reiki and a more spiritual path, brought me into an awakening of sorts, brought me into the light of greater understanding and compassion. (Though I am of course still a work in progress like most others!)
It appears that my brother remained somewhat caught up in the residual issues and “darkness” of his childhood. Yes, I believe he loves his children — and I think he is closer to some of his wife’s family where they live, across the country from us.
There is no room in his heart for my side of the family — or even my children: his niece and nephew. And I suspect this may stem from the memories that are attached to me as I remind him of the difficult childhood that was.
And the “me” who he remembers from our young adult years was also a very different, more egotistical, more impatient, a more mired-in-worry person than the version of who I am now, who I have become on the more spiritual-quest part of my life.
At times I think of my brother as being like the Dr. Seuss character, The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, but unlike the Grinch, he has not gone through any epiphany and remains stagnant.
When our parents passed away within nine months of each other, we met in Phoenix to handle estate matters, to empty and sell the house and possessions. This was a most difficult time. He assured me that he and I would always remain close because we would only have each other from now on in terms of original family since our parents were gone. I believed his words.
However, they proved totally false and meaningless, as I was to learn in the years that followed.
I have tried to reach out several times, but have been rebuffed at every turn. My daughter has been rebuffed by him as well. Mostly he appears caught up in his work, and in the acquisition of stuff — a huge house, a luxury car, his own airplane, plus other stuff. Maybe all his “stuff” has taken a much greater sense of importance than any extended family.
It did recently occur to me (like that proverbial lightbulb that went off in my head) that his being out of my life may actually have been a blessing in disguise. Had he been in regular contact with me, he would probably have not respected or understood my life path in terms of Reiki, and he would have most likely brought a wave of negativity and ego-driven conflict into my world.
Yet who knows what the future will bring in terms of us connecting again — it may happen — or it may never, and whatever unfolds I trust will be for the Highest Good of both of us.
If you have a fine and loving sibling relationship, then be in appreciation for it. Let your sibling know of your caring on a consistent basis. Be in touch and always keep the lines of communication open. These relationships, though sometimes taken for granted, are very precious when they are in flowing harmony.
At this point in my life, I gratefully cherish the loving healthy relationships of my “adult family” that I have formed — my husband, my children, my stepchildren, and grandchildren, etc. I have learned that relationships take work, focus and motivation to thrive… and above all, there must be a strong infusion of love into all relationships for them to flourish!
Affirmations:
- I rejoice in the positive relationships around me and strive to keep them healthy and loving.
- I gravitate to those that are uplifting and respectful of my life journey.
- I trust that the Universe will surround me with those individuals and relationships that are essential for the development of my own personal evolution.
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Relaciones Entre Hermanos — Alejamiento y Falta de Armonía
Historia de una Experiencia Personal
Traducción de Elena Calderaro
¿Eres uno de los afortunados — aquel que tiene un vínculo apacible y amoroso con sus hermanos? Ojalá yo pudiera decir que pertenezco a este grupo reconfortante, pero lamentablemente la verdad es que ese no es mi caso. Tengo un hermano, y ahora estamos lo que simplemente llamamos “alejados.”
Así lo hemos estado por mucho tiempo, quizá por más de una docena de años.
Mi próximo cumpleaños marcará una etapa importante en mi vida — un punto en el cual definitivamente puedo declarar que “esta dama ha EXPERIMENTADO LA VIDA” — y ahora medito y reflexiono cada vez más sobre mis relaciones familiares originales, mis comienzos humildes. Y mis pensamientos se derivan hacia mi hermano quien es un profesional con una carrera exitosa, casado con dos hijos adultos que no he visto desde que eran niños.
Curiosamente, ahora me doy cuenta que muchos de mis amigos, conocidos y clientes tienen experiencias similares con sus hermanos donde hay conflictos, retos y a veces una total desunión. Generalmente, todos comenzamos la vida en un entorno familiar parecido, un fuerte vínculo de sangre, en el cual a la mayoría de nosotros nos fomentaron la unión y el buen trato mutuo. Luego, por varias razones en el paso del tiempo, nos dimos cuenta que somos unos extraños en vez de compartir estrechos lazos familiares.
Me pregunto a qué se debe ésto y estoy segura que hay pocas generalizaciones, ya que cada caso es totalmente diferente y único.
Mi hermano y yo crecimos en una pequeña casa en Brooklyn y éramos muy unidos. Teníamos una increíble relación durante la infancia — mucha diversión, juegos, simulacros de lucha cuando niños y conversaciones nocturnas cuando jóvenes. Mi hermano era muy alegre, jocoso, y admiraba a su hermana mayor, y yo cuidaba y protegía a mi “hermanito.”
Sin embargo, nuestra vida familiar no era estelar, debido a que nuestro padre tenía graves problemas emocionales. Yo pienso que desde chico mi hermano necesitaba una figura masculina cuyo comportamiento le sirviera de ejemplo a un joven en plena pubertad. Mi padre falló increíblemente en este aspecto y mi hermano y yo fuimos expuestos a extrema negatividad, que yo creo era más bien abuso emocional.
Las experiencias de mi vida adulta, además de descubrir el Reiki y un camino más espiritual, me condujeron a despertar mi conciencia y me iluminaron a una mayor comprensión y compasión. (Aunque yo, por supuesto, todavía soy una obra en progreso,
¡como muchos otros!)
Al parecer, mi hermano permaneció atrapado en sus problemas residuales y en la “oscuridad” de su niñez. Yo sí creo que él ama a los niños — y pienso que él está más unido con algunos miembros de la familia de su esposa que residen cerca de ellos, al otro lado del país.
En su corazón no hay cupo para mi lado de la familia — ni siquiera para mis hijos: sus sobrinos. Sospecho que esto puedo provenir de recuerdos relacionados conmigo ya que le traigo memorias de una niñez difícil.
Y la persona que yo era en nuestros años de jóvenes adultos era más egoísta, más impaciente, una persona más sumida en la preocupación, muy diferente a la versión de quien yo soy ahora, una persona en búsqueda de la parte espiritual de su vida.
A ratos pienso que mi hermano es como el personaje El Grinch del Dr. Seuss, cuyo corazón era dos tallas más pequeñas pero, a diferencia del Grinch, mi hermano no ha pasado por ninguna epifanía y permanece estancado.
Cuando nuestros padres fallecieron con nueve meses de diferencia, nos encontramos en Phoenix para tratar asuntos de la herencia, vaciar y vender la casa, y las pertenencias. Este fue un momento muy difícil. El me aseguró que los dos siempre permaneceríamos unidos, ya que con la muerte de nuestros padres sólo quedábamos nosotros dos de la familia original. Yo creí en sus palabras.
Sin embargo, fueron palabras falsas, como lo aprendí en los próximos años.
Varias veces he tratado de lograr un acercamiento, pero he sido rechazada una y otra vez. Mi hija también ha recibido el mismo trato. La mayor parte de su tiempo parece estar enredado en su trabajo, y en adquirir cosas — una enorme casa, un carro de lujo, su avión privado, además de otras cosas. Tal vez considera que estas “cosas” tienen mayor importancia que una familia unida.
Recientemente se me ocurrió (como el bombillo que representa una idea) que su ausencia en mi vida ha sido una bendición inesperada. Si se hubiera mantenido en contacto conmigo, probablemente no hubiera respetado ni comprendido mi camino en la vida con repecto al Reiki, y seguramente hubiera traído una oleada de negatividad y conflictos egocéntricos a mi mundo.
Sin embargo, quien sabe que traerá el futuro con respecto a volvernos a comunicar nuevamente — lo cual puede suceder, o no. Pase lo que pase, confío que será por el mayor bienestar de ambos.
Si tú tienes una relación fraternal sólida y amorosa debes estar muy agradecido. Con frecuencia hazle saber a tu hermano lo mucho que él significa para tí. Mantén abiertas las líneas de comunicación. Estas relaciones, aunque a veces las damos por descontadas, son muy valiosas cuando fluyen en armonía.
En este momento de mi vida agradezco y valoro las relaciones sanas y amorosas de la “familia adulta” que he formado — esposo, hijos, hijastros y nietos, etc. He aprendido que una relación prospera con trabajo, enfoque y motivación…. y sobretodo, debe haber una fuerte infusión de amor para que florezca!
Afirmaciones:
- Gozo de las relaciones positivas a mi alrededor y me esmero por mantenerlas sanas y amorosas.
- Gravito hacia aquellas personas que me elevan el espíritu y respetan mi jornada en la vida.
- Confío en que el Universo envíe a mi alrededor aquellas personas y relaciones que son esenciales para el desarrollo de mi evolución personal.
Design the Highest and Best Version of You
By · CommentsYes, you are good enough! You are a beautiful creation of the Divine, perfect in every way. Sometimes we need to be in the energy of this knowing: you are fine, just the way you are.
General self-acceptance is peaceful. Yet, most of us have aspirations of being/doing something more, perhaps something more aligned with our soul path and mission here on the earthly plane. So it is also okay to be bold, brave and beautiful and create your magnificent future self — to design the highest and best version of who you are.
And that is not in conflict with being confident in your own skin, in your own physical body. It is simply wanting to be your BEST, perhaps more joyful, perhaps with more clarity, perhaps with more compassion. You are on your own unique path, and there are always internal “signposts” that can help you be more uplifted on your journey!
Maybe you wish to further your service to others. Maybe you wish to have more meaning in your life. Maybe you want improved relationships. Maybe you want to be more patient. Or more goal-oriented.
It is okay to WANT, to DREAM, to PLAN your most amazing life. To CREATE that which will resonate with your own heart.
To gain clarity and vision, it is helpful to make special time for quietude, stillness, meditation. These are the moments when you can truly tune in to your powerful inner guidance.
Promise yourself — more “stillness breaks” — more opportunity to listen to that small, wise inner voice. Imagine the most radiant YOU. Visualize your ultimate happy, glowing self.
Promise yourself that when become physically and emotionally weary from all the tasks of your day, that you will take a few minutes and breathe… breathe in to the knowing of that beautiful, glorious YOU — the one who is in touch with inner peace, the one who knows in which direction you are navigating for your Highest Good.
Promise yourself that you will be close with those people that support you, that cheer you on. And that you will do your best to release and move away from those individuals that are negative to you, those that sap your energy.
Promise to allow yourself to create your best life — give yourself space and motivation to be who you need and wish to be — a joyful, radiant child of the Universe who walks in the illuminated path of LOVE…
Affirmations:
- I love who I am right now and who I am becoming along my life journey.
- I lovingly envision and create the very best version of me!
- I am open to new possibilities and opportunities to shine my beautiful light out to the world!
Diseña la versión Mejor y Superior de tu propio Yo.
Traducción de Elena Calderaro
!Sí, tú vales! Eres una bella creación del Divino, perfecta en todos los sentidos. A menudo es necesario envolverte en la energía de este conocimiento: eres hermoso, tal cual eres.
Generalmente nos auto-aceptamos de forma pacífica. No obstante, la mayoría de nosotros aspiramos a ser/hacer algo más, quizás algo más relacionado con nuestro camino y misión álmica aquí en el plano terrenal. También vale que seas audaz, valiente y hermoso, y así crear tu magnífico ser futuro — para diseñar la versión superior y mejor de quien tú eres.
Y si te sientes seguro en tu propia piel, en tu propio cuerpo físico, esto no creará conflicto. Simplemente es querer ser lo MEJOR, quizás más alegre, quizás con más claridad, quizás con más compasión. ¡Andas en tu camino único y exclusivo, y en tu jornada siempre existen señales internas que te ayudarán a levantar el espíritu!
Tal vez deseas servir más al prójimo. Tal vez deseas que tu vida tenga más sentido. Tal vez deseas mejorar tus relaciones. Tal vez quieras ser más paciente. O enfocarte más en tus metas.
Es bueno DESEAR, SOÑAR, PLANEAR una vida maravillosa y CREAR lo que resonará en tu propio corazón.
Para adquirir claridad y visión, es muy útil apartar un rato especial para aquietarte, calmarte y meditar. Estos son los momentos en que realmente te puedes sintonizar con tu poderoso guía interno.
Hazte la promesa de meditar más — más oportunidades para escuchar a esa sabia voz interna. Imagínate a un YO tuyo más radiante. Visualiza que eres un ser luminoso y ultra feliz.
Hazte la promesa de sacar unos minutos para descansar y respirar cuando las tareas del día te cansen física y emocionalmente… respirar hacia lo profundo de ese magnífico y glorioso YO — aquel que está conectado con la paz interior, aquel que conoce la dirección por la cual vas navegando hacia tu MAYOR BIENESTAR.
Hazte la promesa de mantenerte cerca de esas personas que te apoyan, que te alientan. Y que harás lo posible por liberarte y apartarte de la gente negativa, aquellos que minan tu energía.
Hazte la promesa de permitirte crear tu mejor vida — date tiempo y motivación para ser lo que necesitas y deseas ser — un hijo alegre y radiante del Universo, caminando por el sendero iluminado de AMOR…
Afirmaciones:
• Amo a quien yo soy ahora y a quien me estoy convirtiendo a lo largo de la vida.
• ¡Amorosamente visualizo y elaboro la mejor versión de mi propio yo!
• ¡Estoy abierto a nuevas oportunidades que me permitan brillar mi hermosa luz hacia el mundo!
Positive Attitude – Gratitude and Blessings
By · Comments“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
Are you doing the inner work of being in the daily space of appreciation? Can you easily count your blessings?
Embracing gratitude in your own heart and mind is so essential for living ones most positive and joyful life. All the inspirational and motivational teachers encourage us to reach for that lovely “attitude of gratitude” — for when we can be in that energy, we are more optimistic and we draw more positive aspects into our reality. This definitely goes hand in hand with living an uplifting “Law of Attraction” kind of life!
Though on a theoretical level, I am totally on board with immersing myself in the feeling of appreciation, sometimes on a practical day-to-day basis, it is not always the easiest task for me personally. It is not that I am not grateful — I am certainly appreciative of my own unique and beautiful path. Sometimes it is too easy to let those “low vibration” feelings of being judgmental and critical take over. As humans living a very physical existence, we experience a wide spectrum of emotions. At times, you may find yourself sliding into the murkiness of those darker, less noble feelings. Of course, for your own well-being, it is so important to minimize these times, and motivate and teach yourself to spend way more time in “the light” with more uplifting and compassionate emotions.
Gratitude and appreciation are an excellent place to be! And sometimes when in the midst of challenges and judgement, you should just “stop, drop and APPRECIATE” — take stock of your blessings. Everyone has a list of aspects to be grateful for — even if you have to look a bit more closely to find happiness-inspiring things that you may have been taking for granted.
Appreciate the people in your life — who are those at the top of your list that bring such joy and love into your reality? Focus on them — be glad to have them… Let them know of your appreciation. Don’t ever be afraid or hesitant to say “I appreciate you.” Or hone in on something specific that someone has done that has been ultra-pleasing to you, and thank them for that wonderful action that they have taken on your behalf. They will be heartwarmingly delighted to hear of your appreciation and their vibrational level will go up — as will yours!
Be grateful for the STUFF in your life — whether it be as abstractly lovely as the scenic natural landscape outside your front door or as simple, modern and small as your brand new iPad mini… Find all things that you personally can appreciate. Look at aspects of your life in new and enchanting ways — allow your heart to be uplifted.
Remember, appreciation is a conscious choice! You have the ability to truly immerse in this — you just have to decide to take the steps and feel the feelings.
One idea is to keep a gratitude journal and write down several things each day for which you are grateful. This helps crystallize your thoughts and feelings into ones of optimistic, appreciative ones. And it may help you see more clearly the blessings that do exist for you.
Or make a mental “Gratitude List” — take a few moments of your day to do some brief reflecting on what you love and enjoy and feel blessed to have in your life. These will be moments well spent and leave you with that tingly, feel-good emotion.
Sitting in nature (even looking out a window that opens on a natural scene) can be uplifting — I enjoy being outside on a windy day in the warmer weather, when it is actually overcast. I find the warm wind blowing against my face and skin to somehow be both sweetly comforting and invigorating and in those moments I am in the beautiful space of mindfulness, peacefulness and appreciation — a feel-good “triple whammy” of positive emotion. I feel as if I am an integral part of nature, at one with the wind and the elements.
Of course, you don’t need to wait for a specific set of conditions to feel gratitude. But when those conditions happen for you (whatever they are) be sure to totally and deeply immerse yourself, because those feelings will stay with you and inspire you. Be open to the flow of gratitude and abundance.
And spend more time in that glorious place of pure appreciation — it will impact your life in an amazing and positive way!
Affirmations:
- I live and breathe in the space of gratitude each day.
- I take time to reflect on all the uplifting elements in my life — to observe and appreciate my blessings!
- Optimism and appreciation are a conscious choice, and I choose to navigate in the ocean of feel-good emotion.
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Actitud Positiva – Gratitud y Bendiciones
Traducción de Elena Calderaro
“Cultiva la costumbre de agradecer por todo el bien que recibes y dar gracias contínuamente. Y debido a que todas las cosas han contribuido a tu adelanto, debes incluirlas en tu gratitud.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“El fundamento de toda abundancia es reconocer el bien que ya existe en tu vida.”
— Eckhart Tolle, Una Nueva Tierra: Un Despertar al Propósito de su Vida
¿Estás trabajando con tu ser interior para vivir diariamente en actitud de agradecimiento? ¿Puedes contar tus bendiciones fácilmente?
Para vivir de manera positiva y feliz es esencial abrazar la gratitud en tu propio corazón y en tu mente. Todos los maestros inspiradores y motivadores nos animan a alcanzar el bello “estado de gratitud” — ya que cuando logramos estar en esa energía somos más optimistas y obtenemos aspectos más positivos en nuestra realidad. Esto y el vivir una vida al estilo “Ley de la Atracción”, ¡definitivamente van mano a mano!
Sin embargo, a nivel teórico, estoy totalmente de acuerdo con sumergirme en el sentimiento de gratitud, aunque al ponerlo en la práctica día-a-día no es una tarea fácil para mí personalmente. No es que no sea agradecida — francamente aprecio mi camino bello y único, pero algunas veces es muy fácil permitir que se apoderen los sentimientos de “baja vibración”, sentenciosos y críticos. Como humanos vivimos existencias muy físicas y experimentamos una amplia gama de emociones. A veces te encuentras deslizándote en la punumbra de los sentimientos más oscuros y menos nobles. Por supuesto que para tu propio bienestar es importante minimizar esos momentos y motivarte y enseñarte tú mismo a pasar más tiempo en “la luz”, con emociones más edificantes y compasivas.
¡Un lugar excelente donde debes estar es en la energía de gratitud y aprecio! Y a veces, en medio de desafíos y críticas, debes simplemente “parar, liberar y AGRADECER” — contar tus bendiciones. Cada uno tiene una lista de aspectos que agradecer — aunque debas buscarlos con más detenimiento para poder encontrar las circuntancias que inspiran en tí la felicidad que das por sentado.
Aprecia a las personas en tu vida — ¿quienes son las que están al comienzo de tu lista y que traen tanta felicidad y amor a tu realidad? Enfócate en ellas — alégrate de tenerlas… Déjales saber que las aprecias. No temas ni vaciles en decir “Te aprecio.” Analiza algo específico que alguien haya hecho por tí que te ha agradado enormemente y agradécele ese gesto maravilloso. Quedará encantado al saber que lo aprecias y su nivel vibracional se elevará — ¡al igual que el tuyo!
Agradece por todas las COSAS en tu vida — ya sea por la hermosa y pintoresca vista de la naturaleza frente a tu casa o simplemente por algo tan simple como tu moderno, pequeño y nuevo iPad mini… Encuentra las cosas que tú puedes apreciar personalmente. Analiza los aspectos en tu vida de maneras nuevas y encantadoras — permite que tu corazón se eleve.
Recuerda, el agradecimiento es una elección consciente! Tienes la habilidad para sumergirte verdaderamente en ésto — sólo tienes que decidir tomar los pasos y percibir los sentimientos.
Una buena idea es mantener un diario de gratitud y escribir todos los días varias cosas por las cuales estás agradecido. Esto te ayuda a cristalizar los pensamientos y sentimientos a unos más optimistas y agradecidos. Y te ayudará a ver más claro las bendiciones que existen en tu vida.
O haz una “Lista de Gratitud” mental — saca el rato cada día para reflexionar brevemente en lo que amas, disfrutas y te hace sentir bendecido de tener en tu vida. Estos serán ratos de buen provecho y te dejarán con una linda sensación de bienestar.
Estar en la naturaleza (o simplemente mirarla por la ventana) puede ser reconfortante — Yo disfruto del aire libre en los días ventosos y nublados del verano. Siento que el viento tibio en la cara y en la piel me estimula y vigoriza, y en esos momentos me encuentro en un espacio de conciencia, paz y agradecimiento — es como ganarse una lotería de triple emoción positiva. Siento como si fuera parte integral de la naturaleza, donde el viento, los elementos y yo somos uno.
Desde luego que para sentir agradecimiento no hay que esperar por ciertas condiciones específicas. Pero cuando te encuentras con esas condiciones (cualquiera que sea) asegúrate de sumergirte total y profundamente en ellas porque esos sentimientos permanecerán contigo y te inspirarán. Mantente abierto al flujo de la gratitud y la abundancia.
Y pasa más tiempo en ese glorioso lugar de agradecimiento puro — ¡ya que hará un impacto en tu vida de manera asombrosa y positiva!
Afirmaciones:
- Todos los días vivo y respiro en el sentimiento de gratitud.
- Saco el rato para reflexionar sobre todos los elementos edificantes en mi vida — y para observar y agradecer mis bendiciones!
- El optimismo y el agradecimiento se eligen conscientemente, y yo elijo navegar en el mar de los buenos sentimientos.
Positive Attitude – Keeping Serene in A Stressful World
By · CommentsWhat is the major malady that people complain about? What is the ailment that brings most of my clients to me for Reiki sessions? If you have guessed “stress” then you are absolutely right. Stress and its negative effects are a challenge to much of modern society.
We are all incredibly crazy-busy — multitasking throughout our daily lives, trying to juggle and balance all aspects and facets that fill up each day for us. Between all this time management of home/family, business/work — our lives are PACKED! Theoretically, technology should make things easier — but often it only serves to add more complex and time consuming tasks to our day-to-day reality. Yes, I refer to smartphones, tablets, iPads, computers, etc! We are a nation consumed by stuff to do and stuff to keep up with on our devices — because of this we never truly have any “time off.” I am reminded of this every day in my own personal world view. And I am certainly not immune to all the emotions that this encompasses.
Do you see yourself in this picture of total “full-plate” day-to-day living?
We used to speak about the optimistic perspective of looking at life with the glass “half full.” The current reality is that we look at life with the glass as “over-full” — little time for stillness or downtime. Quietude sometimes appears to be a thing of the past.
If you check out the actual definition of “stress” in a dictionary, there are varied meanings. However, in terms of physiology, stress is a specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism.
To me, stress is a buildup of extreme tension within ones body and energetic field, causing an imbalance or state of “disharmony”.
Let’s face it, when one is stressed, you feel anxious, uptight, tense — basically feeling not-so-good — and this results in negative thought patterns as well. When these negative thoughts remain with you for a prolonged period of time, the emotions surrounding them lodge even further in the physical/mental body and cause the manifestation of symptoms such as digestive issues, psychological imbalances, and even serious diseases…
So basically, you want to release stress — the feeling and thinking of it! You need to strive to be in the flow of peacefulness within — and if that sounds next to impossible, then just aim at being in the flow of “semi-serenity.” Living a peaceful modern life is a bit of an oxymoron… But for your own well-being, it is essential to adapt a “mindset of mindfulness” and personal quietude with an ability to go within when things outside you and surrounding you fall into disarray and turmoil.
Realistically, it is never truly possible to quiet every thing in your external world — life these days is pretty noisy. So it is so critical to quiet your internal world when you need a break from the frantic pace that life sometimes morphs into.
Meditation is a classic, timeless practice that can certainly help with this.
The attitude of mindfulness — of being truly present in the now moment — can help with this.
Just closing your eyes and focusing on your breath while taking some long, slow cleansing belly breaths can help with this.
Five to ten minutes of simply going into stillness and tuning out the clamor and clutter of a busy environment can be utterly rejuvenating.
And sometimes you just have to develop the determined outlook that in your heart, you are going to remain serene, no matter what discord people “throw” at you, no matter what hectic happenings crop up in your little corner of the world.
You do not have to allow stress to overtake you. You can choose to create your own unique perspective of tranquility. And that doesn’t mean you have to go meditate on a mountain top or follow a ritual of silence in a monastery…
You can always access the peace within — that beautiful, glorious inner light that reminds you of your Divine or Universal connection, that reminds you that at your core, you come from a place of serenity and clarity. And if you can connect in with this, you will be more in tune with your soul purpose here on Planet Earth…as well as more joyful and of course, more in that radiant stream of well-being…
Affirmations:
- I tune in to my inner rhythms to remain peaceful, especially during challenging or turbulent times.
- Despite what happens around me, I remain tranquil within my heart and mind.
- I make a conscious choice each moment and each day to embrace an attitude of serenity!
Positive Thinking – Peace Begins With You
By · CommentsAre you easily captivated by negative happenings in the news and the world? It is hard not to be these days with all so many varied acts of violence and terror not just in the United States but all over the world.
The horrific terrorist shooting in Orlando, FL and the attack on the Istanbul airport in Turkey are the latest in the list of tragedies. Of course, it is difficult not not get caught up in the wave of sadness and disgust over this. Any compassionate person would be moved and outraged. And the media coverage only serves to intensify the tragic focus on these events.
However, as riveted as you might be, it is important for your own sense of well being to not let yourself get riled up with a sense of animosity and hostility toward those responsible for these violent acts.
It is essential to remain in a place of personal peace.
For negativity begets more negativity. Violent thoughts lead to more hostility.
Sometimes one needs to take a step back from the incessant media coverage. And cultivate a “thick skin” to keep a sense of insulation against all the anger and animosity.
Of course, you will be in the know of what is happening. Yet, strive to be nonjudgmental and as non-reactive as possible.
Tune in to your own inner peace, your serene and beautiful inner light. This is a conscious action that you are absolutely capable of doing. Maybe it means turning off the TV. Or staying away from printed news articles. Or looking away from some of the internet coverage.
And do not feel guilty about stepping back from it. For peace certainly begins with YOU.
It is not like looking away — it is just looking within.
There are so many uplifting and positive things taking place in this world upon which to focus. Make an effort to give your attention to those happenings. To those feel-good stories and events — they will make your heart sing. And there ARE plenty of these that you can find in your outer reality — check Facebook for these too!
When you remain in the stream of peacefulness, you can then shine your own personal beacon — your joyful, loving light of tolerance and compassion… to illuminate those dark spaces where fear may reside… to engender an amazing and uplifting ripple effect around you and out into the world, beginning with you.
Be that enlightened bringer/bearer of love…
Affirmations:
- It is joyful and healing for me to focus on positive things that happen in my environment and in the world.
- I tune in to the peace within, and strive to remain non-reactive and nonjudgmental toward that difficult happenings in my outer reality.
- I choose to be in the mindset of peacefulness and compassion — and to let my actions reflect this uplifting attitude.
Positive Attitude – Morning Optimism
By · CommentsHow do you feel when you first awaken — when you first come to morning consciousness? Perhaps you awaken gently and peacefully — or you might be summoned awake by a piercing alarm. Either way, do you generally feel positive and eager to face the day? Or are you cranky and thinking of the overwhelm of everything you need to accomplish that day?
How you initially greet the day can have a very powerful impact on how your day unfolds. If you start out in a negative way, chances are the flow of the day will bring much of the same.
It is essential to strive to welcome your new set of 24 hours in a positive, joyful mindset. Even if everything in your life is not totally perfect (and let’s face it, whose life is completely perfect anyway) you can still muster a connection to optimistic thoughts. In fact, I believe it is to critical to do so for your own good…
In general, our attitude and our thought patterns affect our ability to align with the flow of well-being And it has certainly been shown that successful, happy people have an uncanny knack for thinking happy, fulfilling thoughts and keeping their mindset in the stream of positivity.
Anyone can do this — it is a purely conscious choice. However, for some it is easy and for others, it is such a challenge.
Personally, I believe that the morning is what sets your tone for the remainder of the day, so your morning thoughts — and your morning rituals — are seriously important.
Coming to consciousness and recognizing comfort in your immediate surrounding is a simple and easy way to begin. So instead of thinking: “I have that awful meeting today, or I have to deal with that difficult person, so and so…” move away from those negative, downtrodden thoughts that might appear first thing like annoying pop-ups in the computer window of your psyche. Instead, just think about how cozy your bed was for your evening’s respite, how soft your pillow is, how pretty the sunlight is streaming in the window, or how peaceful the gentle sound of rain is outside… or how sweet it is to have your beloved canine laying devotedly at the foot of the bed… Whatever you can personally quickly focus on for a momentary thought-saunter into the “positive” will be helpful
The next mental step is to reach for a more definite moment of gratitude or appreciation. Affirm that you look to this day with gratitude for all the uplifting possibilities it will hold. Open your arms wide (in actuality or just figuratively) and be receptive to all the GOOD that your day will bring. Set your intention for being in the space of RECEIVING.
If you have a morning practice, that is a beautiful way to start the day. And by this I mean meditation, prayer, intention, affirmations, etc.
My friend, Gloria, who is a hypnotherapist, presented a workshop where she encouraged participants to follow a simple, but very uplifting morning practice of positive statements to welcome their day. I so enjoy using these statements and here are a few:
Today will be a great day.
I have a good life.
My body is strong and healthy.
I move with vitality and vigor.
I am excited about the future.
Life is a fascinating adventure.
Can’t you just feel the joyfully magnetic pull of these words inspiring and uplifting you? Find several affirmations that resonate with you and recite them in the morning. Let them add a lovely flavor of optimism to your morning thought patterns.
If your morning can include a little physical exercise, that in itself can be invigorating and will awaken your endorphins to initiate you into a day of more positive sensations.
If you have breakfast (and the healthy experts advise us all to do this with nutritious fare that will fuel our physical bodies) then be mindful at breakfast. Really enjoy what you eat and focus on the nutrients energizing and preparing your body to have an amazing, strong and healthy day.
There are so many different ways you can move away from early morning negativity. Greet each day as if it counts, as if it is meaningful. Greet each day as if you are HAPPY — and as they say, if you need to “fake it till you make it” that is okay because acting happy will inspire real joy!
Begin tomorrow as you awaken — “carpe diem” — seize the day! And behold it from a powerfully positive perspective… You are WORTHY of happiness.
Affirmations:
- I greet this day with positivity and appreciation.
- I am open to all the new and exciting possibilities that this day may bring.
- I set my intention to be mindful today, to focus on the present moment with clarity and optimism.
Moments of Quietude in a Device-Filled World
By · CommentsAre you tuned in, tapped in, connected — to technology, that is? Do you often check to see exactly where your smartphone is — maybe pat your pockets, check your purse etc.? If you should by any chance forget your phone for a short errand, do you panic and feel naked?
Welcome to modern life and the way it is here in our corner of Planet Earth.
At the beginning of all my Reiki sessions and classes I always ask clients and students to please silence their phones. And though everyone seems quick to agree to do this, I often find that people tend to leave their phone on vibrate. So sometimes during the session or a class, suddenly I will hear this distracting humming, moving vibration going on. It is almost as if people cannot bear to disconnect fully from their devices.
Are you personally guilty of an overly close connection to your mobile device or your tablet?
Don’t be embarrassed to admit it because I too, can totally relate to this feeling.
Our devices play a significant and essential role in our lives. With the internet literally at our fingertips, whatever information we need from that grand “encyclopedia” of the world wide web is right at our whim and command. Plus any kind of music we wish to hear is readily available!
What about that hypnotic draw of Social Media? It is easy to become addicted to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The amount of information, videos, sayings, expressions, et al. can just keep ones attention riveted…
From buying movie tickets to grocery delivery to the huge variety of merchandise on Amazon Prime that comes right to our doorstep in a matter of days, these little devices have definitely revolutionized the way we live and make our purchases.
And our little ones — the children — are also extremely connected at young ages. From having the iPad accompany my grandson for dinner at times, as well as toddler videos playing for him before bedtime as a sleep aid, this way of life is going to shape the up and coming generations — and perhaps some of it might not be all that positive.
That is why, for all of us, no matter what age, it is essential to remember to take a break from those flickering, backlit screens and simply spend some time in quietude and stillness. Do you make a conscious effort to “disconnect” a little bit each day?
Spending time in nature — whether observing, walking or just sitting peacefully outdoors — begs us to just be in the NOW moment and silence our little chatty, dinging mobile “friend”. Outdoor time is so important for rejuvenating our psyche and our spirit — as well as our physical bodies. We need to just enjoy the beauty of Mother Earth. We need to place our feet on the earth — bare feet is even better as long as it is safe ground — to powerfully connect with the vibration of our beautiful planet.
And don’t forget about when you are out socially with other people, turn down the volume or silence the ringer and really immerse yourself in lovely company of your family or friends. Forget about your relationship with your phone for an hour — or four! I think the younger people are more guilty of this. I consider it “socially incorrect” but probably the younger generations consider it the norm. I see so many people at restaurants texting and emailing in the midst of family dinners and outings with friends. And do I do it once in awhile — sure — but I make that specific effort to put my phone away and really focus on those that I am with at the moment.
Moments of stillness, silence and peacefulness — even brief — can be remarkably re-energizing. Sometimes I just hear that little voice in my head (my inner guidance) chiding me “okay, enough work, enough computer/phone/tablet, enough DOING — just sit in the space of stillness for a few minutes.” Sometimes this “break” is an actual period of meditation. Sometimes it is purely just focusing on some deep slow breathing, just helping me center myself and relax. And sometimes it is just “stillness” — nothingness. No point of attention, no special breathing, just BEING. And I always feel better and re-charged afterward.
My cats do it all the time — engage in the practice of mindfulness, just sitting serenely, so in the moment, so JOYFUL! Of course, they don’t have little kitty iPhones to disconnect from. Though I have seen some Facebook videos of kitties playing with fishy games on tablets!
So I ask you to be more aware of your technology in terms of knowing when to shut it off or take some time away. Tune in to your own inner rhythm. Connect with the vibration of the Earth — or the Universe – and allow peacefulness to flow…
Affirmations:
- I make time each day for moments of stillness and peacefulness.
- I unplug and disconnect from electronics, and take time to tune in to my inner guidance system.
- I am a focused listener and pay full attention when someone is sharing their thoughts and feelings.