Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Friday, November 23, 2012
Life in Reverse
I am behind in reading my O (Oprah) magazines. I like them very much, but when a new issue arrives, I tend to read the “Contributors” page and one or two of the articles that really catch my attention and then the magazine gets hidden under other magazines, books or children’s toys and I forget about it. Eventually my man adds the magazine to a stack in a basket where it sits for months. Last week I gathered all those back issues with a pledge to read them ALL before the end of the year. Today, I completed the February 2012 issue, in which there was an article named “You. . .In Six Words”. This was the introduction:
“In November 2006, writer and editor Larry Smith issued a challenge to fans of his Web publication, SMITH Magazine. . .Smith asked his readers to describe their lives in six words.”
I thought, “That’s impossible!” But, the article contained many examples that proved what I initially thought was impossible was, indeed, possible. Here are some of the submissions in the article:
“Surfing life’s ripples, wishing for waves.” -------- Karen Barbier
“Might as well eat that cookie.” -------- Paula Deen
“I am more than a twin.” ------- Diane Campbell
I was inspired, but I am wordy. How can I describe my life - 58 years of life - in six words, just six words? Maybe 600, but six - I had my doubts, but I took the challenge.
I started with individual words that I associate with myself until I identified an idea that captured my life as I view and define it right now. In my head, the idea needed many more words than six, so I had to cut, trim and rearrange until I was left with a half dozen words. Once I had the idea, the chopping block part was much easier than I expected and this was my final result:
Learning from living life in reverse.
Recently, I considered how I am now, at the age of 58, undergoing so many experiences that most women have in their 20's or 30's, and when I was younger, I had experiences most don’t have until their later years. I do, indeed, feel as though I am living life in reverse.
When I was a child and teenager, everyone thought I was at least 3 to 10 years older; as an adult, people figure I am 10 to 15 years younger than my current age. Living life in reverse.
My childhood home was in an rural area with only one other family with children within a mile. All my other neighbors were adults 40 to 70 years old, and they were my companions. On weekends, I rode my bike from house to house, sitting and talking with my older neighbors, playing board games with them, drinking lemonade, iced tea or hot chocolate, helping with their gardening and cooking. At the age of 17, when friends my age were babysitting, I was working as a nurse’s assistant in a nursing home, surrounded by the elderly. I felt more at ease with my patients than I did with most of my high school classmates. During my child-bearing years, because my husband and I did not have children, we accepted the responsibility of looking after elderly parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles in our families. When others our ages were changing diapers and planning play dates, we were picking up high blood pressure meds at pharmacies, sitting in hospital waiting rooms and taking garbage cans to the curb for those who could no longer do it. It is just now that I am seeing people my age having those same experiences of elder-care. Living life in reverse.
My parents were just shy of 40 when I was born and my mother died before reaching 40. I experienced the death of a parent before I had a memory of that parent, but most people are in their 40's or 50's or even 60's before being forced to cope with the death of a mother or father. Living life in reverse.
In my late teens I experienced my first debilitating back injury. During my 20's and most of my 30's, my activities were hampered by back pain. At the age of 29, I sometimes walked with a cane to stabilize my spine. At 58, my back feels stronger and I experience much less pain than I did 30 years ago. Living life in reverse.
Most people my current age are resting after raising their children. I did not have children and I adopted my daughter as a teenager, so I skipped the whole child-rearing experience, until now. My daughter and her two small children have been living with me for more than two years and I am now having the experience of raising, well, helping to raise, small children. I've changed more diapers in the last two years than I have in all my previous years combined. I just had my premier tooth fairy experience when my grandson lost his first tooth this month. For the first time, I am dropping off children at school in the morning and picking them up at after-school in the evening, telling bedtime stories, going to Christmas plays and planning birthday parties - all activities that most people experience before the age of 45. Yes, I am a grandmother, but a grandmother learning to be a mother. Living life in reverse.
While most couples in their early 50's begin making plans for their golden years of retirement, I was burying my husband (Yes, we were separated, but still married, when he passed) and figuring out how to make ends meet on one income. Living life in reverse.
I owned my first home at the age of 21, and now, since the age of 50, I've been living in a rental house while most in my age group have paid off their mortgages. Most people/couples search for their dream home during their 20's and 30's and it is now, at 58, that I have a goal of finding and acquiring my dream home - in Mount Dora, of course! Living life in reverse.
General thinking says creativity is a product of the young, and most people I know experienced their strongest years of creativity before the age of 50, while I believe I am now entering the most creative phase of my life. Living life in reverse.
With all of that said, my statement was actually “Learning from living life in reverse”. What am I learning and why do my lessons come either earlier or later than those of others? That is the part I am still trying to figure out. Although I did not realize it at the start of my Manifesting Mount Dora project, I now think one of the lessons of this journey is to discover why so many of my life experiences have occurred at non-traditional ages.
One lesson I can already identify is that age does not have to limit or define life. Because of my association with older people in my younger years, I understand, respect and appreciate the age group I am entering. Unlike many my age who feel their lives are almost ending, I don’t feel being over 50 has to limit who I am. In fact, I believe I and my life are just getting better with each year that passes. I may have slow down a little physically and tire a little more easily, but I meet these challenges and experiences that usually come at a younger age with all the energy I can muster and with a maturity and, I hope, wisdom that I did not possess years ago. I appreciate the moments of surprise, tenderness, exhilaration and comfort in ways I could not in years pass. The losses and disappointments and roadblocks in life are not as devastating as they once were and although I may be moving a little slower at this age, I pick myself up quicker than I did in my earlier years.
Living life in reverse does have its advantages and lessons. I may be living a backwards life, but I am always moving forward.
Monday, July 23, 2012
7/23/12 Thinking Magically
“And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” Meister Eckhart
I was thinking a lot about new beginnings recently when I came across this quote. Seems like many people around me are undergoing major life changes - separations and divorces, moves, unexpected pregnancies, lost jobs, businesses closing, family upheavals, deaths of loved ones. Many of these changes appear to be negative, bringing pain, confusion, sadness, stress, self-doubt, anger, disillusionment, and disappointment. Yet, all these changes have the potential to become positive, life-affirming and inspirational. Most of the negativity that surrounds change stems from fear and when we fear change we cannot view it as something magical.
Fear is normal and healthy, in the correct situation and with the right amount of restraint.
Fear is a warning that an action, situation, desire, or even a thought could produce danger and requires further consideration, or in already dangerous conditions, fear warns us that immediate action is required. Fear has its place but being in fear should not be anyone’s daily state.
If you are in a situation that is truly dangerous, such as an abusive relationship, try your best to find a way out - ask for help, go to the authorities, search for a way to remove yourself from the dangerous circumstance. If you are in a dangerous place, such as a crime-ridden neighborhood, you may not be able to leave right now, but you can take many steps to keep yourself as safe as possible and perhaps work toward moving somewhere less dangerous in the future.
But, the fear that surrounds endings and new beginnings is a different type of fear. Sometimes we just overreact to situations. We worry incessantly about something that we cannot change or that we cannot even predict. That form of fear is irrational and extremely unhealthy, often leading to a myriad of illnesses. Being cautious when dealing with changes, even obviously happy ones, is commendable, but being actually fearful, when you have no identifiable and rational reason for the fear, is not. Fear holds us back, keeps us stuck, halts our growth and progression, blocks prosperity.
I know a great deal about fear. I spent most of my adult life fearing change. I did not look or seem fearful and no one would have described me that way, but fear was my constant companion. Even recognizably good changes created pangs of fear deep in my core. Due to fear, I held back, lived small and too cautiously, and watched life pass me by. Fortunately, I believe I am past that now. Changes can still cause that catch in my throat, the one that happens just before you muffle a cry, or keep me awake until I hear the morning newspaper delivered at 4 AM, but, it feels more like worry and less like fear. Worry is not much better than fear, but I find I can control worry more easily than fear. Fear tends to paralyze me, even when I know what I should do or least when I know I should be doing something, but worry just consumes and annoys me for awhile and disrupts my balance and then usually I can brush it aside and move on.
The people I know going through all those changes have experienced some fear and worry, plus many of those other emotions I named, but they are moving forward, taking positive steps and looking for ways to resolve or accept their situations. Some dealt with the negative emotions more quickly and more efficiently than the others. Those who muddled through at a slower rate had bigger lessons to learn, I believe.
The real challenge is knowing “it’s time to start something new” and trusting in the “magic of beginnings”. I know I tend to concentrate on the ending, rather than the beginning. A marriage is ending, but a new phase of life is beginning. A job has ended, but the possibility of a new, better job is beginning. Focusing on the new beginning can make the ending easier to assimilate. I know, all that positive thinking stuff is hard to wrap your head around when you are worried about where you will live, how you will pay your bills, and all the many other concerns that come along with changes, especially unexpected, and perhaps unwelcome, changes. If someone says, “Think positive” you probably want to positively punch them in the gut.
“Think positive” has become trite and annoying. Perhaps “think magical” is better and more genuine. I mean, truly, when you are faced with what seems to be a horrible, uninvited, undesired change, thinking positive either seems hopeless or wimpy. But, “thinking magical” is, well, magical. We cannot really predict what sort of action or occurrence might happen that could be called magical. We don’t know how to make magic happen, so we have to let go and let God or The Universe or Source or whomever or whatever take over. We have to BELIEVE that somehow, someway everything will work out well for all those involved and that in the process we will learn the lessons we need to absorb to move forward in our spiritual progression.
Why is Disney World/Land so popular? Because it is magical. You leave your cares and concerns at the gate and enter a place where imagination and magic rule. I have no idea how all those fun and fantastic Disney experiences are produced, but I don’t need to know nor do I want to know. If I knew, that wonderful feeling of magic would evaporate like snowflakes on a sunny day. Sometimes believing in and relying on magic is just what we need.
Of course, we don’t live in Disney World, so walking around we our heads in the clouds thinking that all of our problems will magically go away is not advisable. We can think magically, meaning that we leave our minds open for unexplained and seemingly magical resolutions to our problems, but we also need to be ready to act when some magic comes our way. Magic may bring an unbelievable job opportunity to your doorstep, but magic will not give you that much needed job if you do not make the effort to obtain it. Magic may arrange for you to meet the man/woman of your dreams in the most unlikely of places, but magic cannot create the relationship if you don’t open your mouth and have a conversation. Thinking magically does not mean thinking stupidly or thinking passively - it means thinking creatively and passionately - being open to new and different ideas, solutions, suggestions and experiences.
My grandchildren think magically every day. Some of their imaginings are the nonsense of childhood, but some are the thoughts of innocent minds that have not been bullied, beaten down, disappointed and disillusioned - the thoughts that say, “Why not?” or “I believe I can.” or “Who says I can’t?” They believe in angels, super heroes, fairy princesses and princes and all the wonderful things that go along with those characters. They believe that good prevails over evil and that there is always a happy ending. Naive and simple, yes. But, to me, their innocent beliefs are also inspiring. Evil may win a lot, happy endings are not promised and fairy-tale characters almost never come to our aid or befriend us, but does it hurt to think that some of those things may happen? I believe that each of us deserves and receives magic in our lives every day. When we stop believing in that magic, when we stop looking for it and welcoming it, when we stop being grateful for our daily dose of magic, we lose touch with what is the most special and spiritual part of existence. And, then we lose touch with our humanity.
I want to look at life magically. I want to think magically. Maybe I am being naive, but maybe I am just being hopeful - hopeful that something I cannot reason my way through, something that causes fear in the pit of my stomach, something that changes my life in ways I cannot immediately accept can magically turn into good. I want to proactively think magically, too. I want to believe that magic can create something wonderful in my life. Manifesting Mount Dora is definitely magically thinking and I am alright with that. I choose to think magically and manifest magically and that is how my home in Mount Dora will be magically created.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
6/6/12 Synchronicity & Inspiration
My last post was called “Illuminations”. That word was in my mind when I awoke from an afternoon nap on Sunday and I heard it in my mind over and over the rest of the day. Not knowing why that word visited me, I thought about what illuminations meant to me and quickly associated it with those moments of great clarity and synchronization that come into being when I’m on an inspired path. After writing my blog about illumination, I reached for a book to read before going to sleep. By my bed sit three or four books that I am actively reading at any given time and another six or more books that I plan to read. One of the newest books in my stack was “The Twelfth Insight” by James Redfield. You may remember that the first step on this path of learning about the Law of Attraction was when my man gave me the book “The Celestine Prophecy” by the same author and the first in what would become a series with “The Twelfth Insight” the most recent addition. Not long ago, I saw the book in a store and it called to me, so I had no choice but to bring it home (Other avid readers and book purchasers will understand exactly what I mean!). I was knee-deep in three other books and had many more waiting in line, so I had no intention of reading my newest purchase for quite awhile. But, Sunday night “The Twelfth Insight” called to me just as it had in the bookstore, so I had not choice but to pick it up and start reading. I quickly realized that the book was about what I called illumination in my blog and what Redfield names synchronicity, based on the writings of Dr. Carl Jung. Reading that book was the next step on my path and was the perfect follow-up to my blog.
My point is that if you are open to synchronicity, it will happen. One unexpected step follows another. A word leads to a blog leads to a book leads to. . .what? I am not sure yet, but I have no doubt that its all leading somewhere, to something that is part of my manifestation process. Reading “The Twelfth Insight” has reminded me that I am a little off track when it comes to my Manifesting Mount Dora project. Understandably so, I think, with all that’s happened in my life recently, but still its time to reconnect with my manifestation project.
It has been two months since we’ve been to Mount Dora. Time to reconnect with my home-to-be! Even my man mentioned, without knowing I was thinking the same thing, that he was missing Mount Dora. So, we now have plans to spend three days there this month. I have been neglecting my Optimist Creed and my affirmations - time to reintroduce those to my daily routine. I wrote in another post about the guided meditation that I discovered and which helped me with my sleeping problems, but, for some unknown reason, I failed to do the meditation for a whole week. And, yes, my insomnia quickly returned. I am proud to say that I have meditated the last three nights and have slept soundly and greeted the morning feeling rejuvenated and energetic.
When I first started these posts back in March I wrote about how manifesting requires high energy levels so eating better and exercising are important. I did fairly well with that commitment, but once my stress levels reach mountaintop heights, my healthier diet took a hiatus. And, when the Floridian summer heat and humidity took up residence, my willingness to walk regularly waned - my three-to-four-times-a-week walks became one or two, maybe, and even those were shorter and less strenuous. During the school year, I was getting up 45 minutes earlier than usual to see my grandson off to school, usually preparing his breakfast as well. His school ended last Friday and since I am accustomed to getting up earlier and since I am meditating again and waking up with energy, I started walking in the morning before the heat and humidity settle in turning each day into a Turkish steam bath. I’ve also been eating more fruits and vegetables and opting for local and organic produce when possible.
When faced with stress and grief, it is easy, and understandable, that we get sidetracked from our goals and our commitments. There is only so much we can deal with at one time. But, as soon as possible, it is important to return to our healthy and spiritual practices. One of my main sources of stress was my mom’s missing Last Will and Testament. Without it, handling and settling her estate and financial affairs was going to be difficult, time-consuming and emotionally draining. Friends in her state had been searching for it since her death in late April. By late May, we were all beginning to wonder if, in spite of what she’d told us, the will actually existed (none of us had ever seen it). On the Sunday before Memorial Day, I decided to ask my angels and the Universe for help and I put out a request that my mom’s will be located before the end of May, which was just four days away. Three days later I received a call - her will was found.
Another interesting story of synchronicity happened last month. In mid-May I met a young woman, who had recently moved to Gainesville. She told me she was a writer and she specifically mentioned poetry. Wild Iris Bookstore hosts the Feminist Poetry Open Mic once a month and I told my new acquaintance about the group. She promised to be at the next show and asked if I read my poems there. I told her that although I attend the Open Mic and love the poetry readings, I had not written poetry in 30 years or more and that most of my poetry writing was done when I was in high school and college. She chastised me for not writing. “I write, though,” I objected, “Just not poetry. I write a blog and stories and I journal.” Those words did not satisfy her and she gave me an assignment to write a poem about the last 30+ years and read it at the next Open Mic. I laughed to myself, thinking that I had enough pressure in my life without feeling obligated to write a poem at the command of someone I’d just met. I did think about it though, several times, but no inspiration came to me and I pushed aside the nagging thoughts. Over the Memorial Day weekend, when I was house and animal sitting for friends in the country and had plenty of time to relax, I again thought of her assignment, but was not inspired to write. I asked the Universe to inspire me if writing a poem was what I should do. Two days later, three hours before the Open Mic, the inspiration arrived and I wrote:
"I Used To Write Poetry"
I used to write poetry, I said,
Long, long ago.
A different lifetime.
A younger time, a time of war.
You know,
War creates emotion;
Emotion creates poems,
Back then, but not now.
Oh, sure, we do have a war
Now.
But war poetry is for the young,
And I am no longer young.
So, she said, write of the last 35 years.
Hmm, I thought.
You mean,
The time after that war,
Before this war,
And the one before,
And the one before that?
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
We ended THAT war,
The war that tore us apart.
We swore there'd never be another,
But there were
Others,
Too many others.
We started some, ended some,
And have one
That lasts
Forever.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Cocaine was fashionable
And then not.
Crack was in
And then out.
Even heroin made a comeback,
Just like Steven Tyler.
Now there's meth,
And, Red Bull.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Disco was in,
Then out.
Now Barry Gibb
and Donna Summer
Are dead.
Just like disco.
Country was in,
Then not.
They say
The Rhinestone Cowboy
Lives in Tokyo now
And sometimes visits and
Dances on the streets of Manhattan.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Oh, yeah,
We were attacked!
How dare they!
We were frightened.
Not us!
We were vengeful.
So American!
We fought back
Well, we fought someone,
Maybe not the right someone,
But someone.
We have to fight someone,
To regain our dignity.
Now we have a war that never ends,
And it may not be the right war,
But is is OUR war, dammit!
The war to regain our dignity.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
We got rich and then very poor,
And we got sad,
Then very mad.
We came together,
To be torn apart by
Politicians and
Policemen,
Like Ohio State,
Berkeley,
The Summer of Love.
But, now its Zuccoti Park
Times Square
And San Diego.
And, and. . .
Funny, not that much has changed,
After all,
In 35 years.
And, I guess,
After all,
You don't have to be young
To write of war.
But, you do have to be young
To fight a war.
That has not changed.
35 years, 35 YEARS!
And, sadly,
Nothing much has changed.
Oddly, my new friend did not come to the Open Mic, so she missed hearing my poem. We had become Facebook friends so I sent the poem to her in a Facebook message, but she has not responded. In fact, she has not posted anything on Facebook since the week we met. Maybe I will encounter her again or maybe not. Perhaps, she appeared just to be my inspiration angel - another piece of synchronicity in this unwinding tale of manifestation.
My point is that if you are open to synchronicity, it will happen. One unexpected step follows another. A word leads to a blog leads to a book leads to. . .what? I am not sure yet, but I have no doubt that its all leading somewhere, to something that is part of my manifestation process. Reading “The Twelfth Insight” has reminded me that I am a little off track when it comes to my Manifesting Mount Dora project. Understandably so, I think, with all that’s happened in my life recently, but still its time to reconnect with my manifestation project.
It has been two months since we’ve been to Mount Dora. Time to reconnect with my home-to-be! Even my man mentioned, without knowing I was thinking the same thing, that he was missing Mount Dora. So, we now have plans to spend three days there this month. I have been neglecting my Optimist Creed and my affirmations - time to reintroduce those to my daily routine. I wrote in another post about the guided meditation that I discovered and which helped me with my sleeping problems, but, for some unknown reason, I failed to do the meditation for a whole week. And, yes, my insomnia quickly returned. I am proud to say that I have meditated the last three nights and have slept soundly and greeted the morning feeling rejuvenated and energetic.
When I first started these posts back in March I wrote about how manifesting requires high energy levels so eating better and exercising are important. I did fairly well with that commitment, but once my stress levels reach mountaintop heights, my healthier diet took a hiatus. And, when the Floridian summer heat and humidity took up residence, my willingness to walk regularly waned - my three-to-four-times-a-week walks became one or two, maybe, and even those were shorter and less strenuous. During the school year, I was getting up 45 minutes earlier than usual to see my grandson off to school, usually preparing his breakfast as well. His school ended last Friday and since I am accustomed to getting up earlier and since I am meditating again and waking up with energy, I started walking in the morning before the heat and humidity settle in turning each day into a Turkish steam bath. I’ve also been eating more fruits and vegetables and opting for local and organic produce when possible.
When faced with stress and grief, it is easy, and understandable, that we get sidetracked from our goals and our commitments. There is only so much we can deal with at one time. But, as soon as possible, it is important to return to our healthy and spiritual practices. One of my main sources of stress was my mom’s missing Last Will and Testament. Without it, handling and settling her estate and financial affairs was going to be difficult, time-consuming and emotionally draining. Friends in her state had been searching for it since her death in late April. By late May, we were all beginning to wonder if, in spite of what she’d told us, the will actually existed (none of us had ever seen it). On the Sunday before Memorial Day, I decided to ask my angels and the Universe for help and I put out a request that my mom’s will be located before the end of May, which was just four days away. Three days later I received a call - her will was found.
Another interesting story of synchronicity happened last month. In mid-May I met a young woman, who had recently moved to Gainesville. She told me she was a writer and she specifically mentioned poetry. Wild Iris Bookstore hosts the Feminist Poetry Open Mic once a month and I told my new acquaintance about the group. She promised to be at the next show and asked if I read my poems there. I told her that although I attend the Open Mic and love the poetry readings, I had not written poetry in 30 years or more and that most of my poetry writing was done when I was in high school and college. She chastised me for not writing. “I write, though,” I objected, “Just not poetry. I write a blog and stories and I journal.” Those words did not satisfy her and she gave me an assignment to write a poem about the last 30+ years and read it at the next Open Mic. I laughed to myself, thinking that I had enough pressure in my life without feeling obligated to write a poem at the command of someone I’d just met. I did think about it though, several times, but no inspiration came to me and I pushed aside the nagging thoughts. Over the Memorial Day weekend, when I was house and animal sitting for friends in the country and had plenty of time to relax, I again thought of her assignment, but was not inspired to write. I asked the Universe to inspire me if writing a poem was what I should do. Two days later, three hours before the Open Mic, the inspiration arrived and I wrote:
"I Used To Write Poetry"
I used to write poetry, I said,
Long, long ago.
A different lifetime.
A younger time, a time of war.
You know,
War creates emotion;
Emotion creates poems,
Back then, but not now.
Oh, sure, we do have a war
Now.
But war poetry is for the young,
And I am no longer young.
So, she said, write of the last 35 years.
Hmm, I thought.
You mean,
The time after that war,
Before this war,
And the one before,
And the one before that?
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
We ended THAT war,
The war that tore us apart.
We swore there'd never be another,
But there were
Others,
Too many others.
We started some, ended some,
And have one
That lasts
Forever.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Cocaine was fashionable
And then not.
Crack was in
And then out.
Even heroin made a comeback,
Just like Steven Tyler.
Now there's meth,
And, Red Bull.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Disco was in,
Then out.
Now Barry Gibb
and Donna Summer
Are dead.
Just like disco.
Country was in,
Then not.
They say
The Rhinestone Cowboy
Lives in Tokyo now
And sometimes visits and
Dances on the streets of Manhattan.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
Oh, yeah,
We were attacked!
How dare they!
We were frightened.
Not us!
We were vengeful.
So American!
We fought back
Well, we fought someone,
Maybe not the right someone,
But someone.
We have to fight someone,
To regain our dignity.
Now we have a war that never ends,
And it may not be the right war,
But is is OUR war, dammit!
The war to regain our dignity.
Hmm, what happened over those 35 years?
We got rich and then very poor,
And we got sad,
Then very mad.
We came together,
To be torn apart by
Politicians and
Policemen,
Like Ohio State,
Berkeley,
The Summer of Love.
But, now its Zuccoti Park
Times Square
And San Diego.
And, and. . .
Funny, not that much has changed,
After all,
In 35 years.
And, I guess,
After all,
You don't have to be young
To write of war.
But, you do have to be young
To fight a war.
That has not changed.
35 years, 35 YEARS!
And, sadly,
Nothing much has changed.
Oddly, my new friend did not come to the Open Mic, so she missed hearing my poem. We had become Facebook friends so I sent the poem to her in a Facebook message, but she has not responded. In fact, she has not posted anything on Facebook since the week we met. Maybe I will encounter her again or maybe not. Perhaps, she appeared just to be my inspiration angel - another piece of synchronicity in this unwinding tale of manifestation.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
4/21/12 An Amazing Day
Friday I had lunch with a dear friend who has seen me through the ups and downs of many situations through many years. I shared with her some of the challenges and stresses in my life right now and she was surprised at how well I was responding - how I was not trying to fix everything and everyone as she has seen me attempt to do in the past. I knew that my recent reactions have been out-of-character for me - in a very good way - but having someone else confirm my own observation was encouraging.
Today I attended the Spiritual Connections Faire held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship here in my town. These gatherings of psychic, card readers, intuitives, channelers, healers and vendors happen about three times a year and I have been attending for at least five years. My yoga teacher, Shenna Benarte, is also a Medicine Card reader so I have a tradition of going to her for a reading at these fairs. We have both chuckled over the fact that I see her nearly every week and could have a reading any time I want, and sometimes I do, but I like to continue the tradition of my readings with her at this particular fair. If I feel inclined, I may also have a session with another reader, psychic or intuitive, but today I only visited her. The reading revolved around many of the stressors in my life right now and the consistent advice was to back off and let everything unfold without my direct interference or control. I should be in a loving space of support, but should not try to “fix” anything or anyone - exactly what I have been practicing for the first time in my life. The reading confirmed that those around me have lessons to learn and the events, often negative in nature, that are occurring are obstacles for them to overcome on their paths to self-enlightenment and I just need to be a compassionate observer. The cards also confirmed that Mount Dora is on my path and I was very uplifted by that. To me, readings are the same as counseling - the cards help to guide and counsel without predicting the future. Yes, the cards said Mount Dora is on my path, but I guarantee that should I waver from my path, I will never manifest a home in my favorite little town no matter what the cards said. The confirmation that my focus is on target is comforting, though.
I also had a Reiki session with Dee Mitchell, a Reiki master, healer and teacher. Dee is a powerful woman and she and my man have a strong bond. When he experienced some health challenges five years ago, her Reiki greatly elevated his healing process and although he was not a believer in Reiki when he had his first session with her, he certainly is now and never misses the opportunity to experience her healing Reiki power. I have Reiki when I feel inspired to do so and today I did. I rose from her table feeling refreshed, energized and amazingly peaceful. Dee even commented that my energy was very strong and positive today.
My next session at the fair was with Gail ‘n’ Ron, a couple who used to attend the Prosperous Living meetings that I co-created and co-hosted. They worked together using light touch, deep breathing, kinesthetic movements and affirmations to put my body in a state of relaxation deeper than I’ve ever known before. The experience was unusual, in a good way, slightly unsettling but also very grounding and inspiring and amazingly profound. Gail said that my crown chakra was wide open and flowing with energy. In the past, when participating in other energy healing practices, I was always told that my crown chakra was closed or partially closed. In case you are not aware of chakras, the first teachings of these wheel-like energy centers of the body came from Hindu texts and are also prominent in Buddhist practices. Traditionally, there are seven major chakras, or energy centers, in the body and each one regulates certain bodily, emotional and spiritual functions, each is associated with a particular gland and with a combination of emotions. When a chakra is blocked or closed, the functions associated with it are also closed off, resulting in physical, psychological and/or spiritual imbalances which may develop into illnesses, diseases and physical pain and discomfort as well as personal crises. Chakras that are out of balance or blocked can be opened up using color therapies (each chakra is associated with a particular color that stimulates it), meditation, sound therapies, yoga, EFT, guided visualization, aromatherapy, affirmations, positive thinking - in other words, by practicing what also activates the Law of Attraction! The crown chakra, my problem spot, is located at the top of your head and is associated with your brain, pineal gland and nervous systems, as well as the emotional states of peace, self-awareness, clarity and divine acceptance. A closed crown chakra can result in depression, fear, hopelessness, confusion, apathy and spiritual weaknesses. The crown chakra is the mother of all chakras and an open, vibrating crown chakra indicates that all the other chakras are in relatively good shape and that the person is on or is discovering his/her spiritual path. Learning that my crown chakra is open and vibrating with energy confirmed that I am on the right path for me. I felt energized, inspired and drained. I know, it seems impossible to feel energized and drained at the same time, but that is exactly how I felt. My spirit was soaring, but my body was saying it needed to rest and assimilate all the energy work it experienced at the fair. Although I’d plan to remain at the fair longer, going home and taking a nap seemed like the best action to take.
I spent the rest of my day allowing my body and spirit to speak to me. Although I had a long list of tasks to complete this weekend, I chose instead to spend the evening at Wild Iris Books with my man. I had a healthy, delicious meal at Café Colette in Wild Iris and then spent a couple of hours reading, writing and perusing the books for sale. The energies in the café and the bookstore are healing and inspirational for me so I go there often to re-charge and to access my creativity. My to-do list is undone, but the vibration of my crown chakra is off the charts!
Today I followed intuition and spiritual guidance and created a day that was healing and energizing. We cannot always choose to do exactly what we want to do when we want to do it. Life is too complicated. We have many demands on our time, many responsibilities. But, each of us needs a day like I experienced. A time to nurture yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Today I attended the Spiritual Connections Faire held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship here in my town. These gatherings of psychic, card readers, intuitives, channelers, healers and vendors happen about three times a year and I have been attending for at least five years. My yoga teacher, Shenna Benarte, is also a Medicine Card reader so I have a tradition of going to her for a reading at these fairs. We have both chuckled over the fact that I see her nearly every week and could have a reading any time I want, and sometimes I do, but I like to continue the tradition of my readings with her at this particular fair. If I feel inclined, I may also have a session with another reader, psychic or intuitive, but today I only visited her. The reading revolved around many of the stressors in my life right now and the consistent advice was to back off and let everything unfold without my direct interference or control. I should be in a loving space of support, but should not try to “fix” anything or anyone - exactly what I have been practicing for the first time in my life. The reading confirmed that those around me have lessons to learn and the events, often negative in nature, that are occurring are obstacles for them to overcome on their paths to self-enlightenment and I just need to be a compassionate observer. The cards also confirmed that Mount Dora is on my path and I was very uplifted by that. To me, readings are the same as counseling - the cards help to guide and counsel without predicting the future. Yes, the cards said Mount Dora is on my path, but I guarantee that should I waver from my path, I will never manifest a home in my favorite little town no matter what the cards said. The confirmation that my focus is on target is comforting, though.
I also had a Reiki session with Dee Mitchell, a Reiki master, healer and teacher. Dee is a powerful woman and she and my man have a strong bond. When he experienced some health challenges five years ago, her Reiki greatly elevated his healing process and although he was not a believer in Reiki when he had his first session with her, he certainly is now and never misses the opportunity to experience her healing Reiki power. I have Reiki when I feel inspired to do so and today I did. I rose from her table feeling refreshed, energized and amazingly peaceful. Dee even commented that my energy was very strong and positive today.
My next session at the fair was with Gail ‘n’ Ron, a couple who used to attend the Prosperous Living meetings that I co-created and co-hosted. They worked together using light touch, deep breathing, kinesthetic movements and affirmations to put my body in a state of relaxation deeper than I’ve ever known before. The experience was unusual, in a good way, slightly unsettling but also very grounding and inspiring and amazingly profound. Gail said that my crown chakra was wide open and flowing with energy. In the past, when participating in other energy healing practices, I was always told that my crown chakra was closed or partially closed. In case you are not aware of chakras, the first teachings of these wheel-like energy centers of the body came from Hindu texts and are also prominent in Buddhist practices. Traditionally, there are seven major chakras, or energy centers, in the body and each one regulates certain bodily, emotional and spiritual functions, each is associated with a particular gland and with a combination of emotions. When a chakra is blocked or closed, the functions associated with it are also closed off, resulting in physical, psychological and/or spiritual imbalances which may develop into illnesses, diseases and physical pain and discomfort as well as personal crises. Chakras that are out of balance or blocked can be opened up using color therapies (each chakra is associated with a particular color that stimulates it), meditation, sound therapies, yoga, EFT, guided visualization, aromatherapy, affirmations, positive thinking - in other words, by practicing what also activates the Law of Attraction! The crown chakra, my problem spot, is located at the top of your head and is associated with your brain, pineal gland and nervous systems, as well as the emotional states of peace, self-awareness, clarity and divine acceptance. A closed crown chakra can result in depression, fear, hopelessness, confusion, apathy and spiritual weaknesses. The crown chakra is the mother of all chakras and an open, vibrating crown chakra indicates that all the other chakras are in relatively good shape and that the person is on or is discovering his/her spiritual path. Learning that my crown chakra is open and vibrating with energy confirmed that I am on the right path for me. I felt energized, inspired and drained. I know, it seems impossible to feel energized and drained at the same time, but that is exactly how I felt. My spirit was soaring, but my body was saying it needed to rest and assimilate all the energy work it experienced at the fair. Although I’d plan to remain at the fair longer, going home and taking a nap seemed like the best action to take.
I spent the rest of my day allowing my body and spirit to speak to me. Although I had a long list of tasks to complete this weekend, I chose instead to spend the evening at Wild Iris Books with my man. I had a healthy, delicious meal at Café Colette in Wild Iris and then spent a couple of hours reading, writing and perusing the books for sale. The energies in the café and the bookstore are healing and inspirational for me so I go there often to re-charge and to access my creativity. My to-do list is undone, but the vibration of my crown chakra is off the charts!
Today I followed intuition and spiritual guidance and created a day that was healing and energizing. We cannot always choose to do exactly what we want to do when we want to do it. Life is too complicated. We have many demands on our time, many responsibilities. But, each of us needs a day like I experienced. A time to nurture yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Friday, April 6, 2012
4/6/12 Moon Over Mount Dora
We are in our destiny town and the moon will be full and powerful tonight. A good time for manifesting!
Usually Mount Dora sweeps away our troubles, but this time some annoyances have been hanging on. I think we both feel the prickly edges of aggravations that have hitched a ride south with us, leaving no sense of peace.
I am reading “The Architecture of All Abundance - Seven Foundations to Prosperity” by Lenedra J. Carroll (mother of the singer Jewel). The fifth chapter is entitled “Be Peace”. Nedra escapes the hectic world of managing her daughter’s career to spend three weeks at a retreat where she learns to obtain and keep an internal peace that will remain constant no matter how rough the waters are around her. I know that peace, even world peace, must begin in the heart and soul of each individual. And, as I was reading that chapter, it occurred to me that peace, although a grand and powerful concept, needs only to be a simple action or, perhaps more often, a non-action. Letting someone’s unpleasant statement pass without comment. Allowing someone to be moody without absorbing the mood or even acknowledging it. Releasing the need for someone to be or feel a particular way.
I often take on the burden of trying to make others feel better and usually absorb whatever ill mood I am trying to “cure”. When did it become my job to change the moods and attitudes of all who are part of my life? Why do I so often feel responsible for their negativity, sharp responses and sarcasm? Am I so powerful a person that I can cause or control someone else’s state of mind? Yes, we all influence one another, especially those close to us, to some degree, but surely the degree is less than we often imagine. And, if it isn’t, if someone allows us to control his or her mood so completely, isn’t the fault his and not ours? If someone gives away his or her power like that, we certainly do not need to accept it. Shouldn’t we be busy enough with our own state of being that we don’t have the time or the energy to be controlling or worrying about someone else’s?
I know my need to make everyone happy grew from the death of my mother when I was three months old. I grew up believing that my birth somehow contributed to her early passing. My father was a moody, volatile man and I assumed his anger was the result of losing his wife at a young age and since I felt some responsibility for that loss, I also felt an immense responsibility to make him happier or, at least, less angry. The responsibility I felt carried over to others - why I don’t know. People viewed me as a person with a big heart, open arms and the ability to listen well. Even in elementary school, other children brought their troubles to me. At first I was perplexed, but then I just accepted that they were drawn to me for some reason beyond my understanding. Eventually, all that listening, along with my perceived responsibility for my father’s emotional stability, weighed heavily on me. I was too young to develop the coping skills of counselors, therapists, doctors and nurses, so I suffered in ways an adult, much less a child, should not.
I absorbed the unhappiness, worries and anger of others as a sponge soaks in dirty dish water. The years have taught me a few lessons about boundaries, but old patterns are hard to break. I’ve learned a few coping skills and am able to shake off the problems and negative vibrations from lesser acquaintances, but those closest to me are still a challenge. And, honestly, I don’t want to be cold or uncaring, especially to those I love.
My new Intention is to give up the job of healing and/or absorbing the moods of those around me. I am not, nor do I want to be, nor should I be responsible for the moods, negativity or poor behavior of others. I choose to “be peace”. I can care, I can have empathy, I can offer advice - when asked, but I choose to accept peace for myself and to allow others to find their paths to peace.
And, what does all of this have to do with manifesting? A great deal. When our psyches
are bathed in the negativity absorbed from others, we cannot find and nurture our own well-being. We lose touch with our center, the home of our personal peace. Creative manifestation requires a strong center, a well-defined sense of self and an internal peace.
Today we had a tour of the historical home for sale that I found online - the one I printed photos of and added to my Manifesting Mount Dora Vision Closet. We loved it. But, as I said before, my focus is not on a particular house so I was able to enjoy seeing it without feeling apprehensive about obtaining it. It was fun to imagine living there with “there” representing any home in Mount Dora that we can manifest. Playing games with manifesting can be very powerful way to jump start the process. As adults, we have lost the wonder and joy of playing, of pretending. When we are in that childlike state we are free from all that binds us to “reality” allowing us to enter a state of creating. Touring a house, walking through a car lot, carrying a $100 bill in your pocket, watching movies set in places you want to visit can stimulate your imagination and with imagination comes creativity and with creativity comes manifestation.
I feel peaceful right now. I am writing, there is a full moon, I’ve had an enjoyable day in one of my favorite places and I am having a chai latte while my man enjoys a cappuccino.
The energies are powerful.
Usually Mount Dora sweeps away our troubles, but this time some annoyances have been hanging on. I think we both feel the prickly edges of aggravations that have hitched a ride south with us, leaving no sense of peace.
I am reading “The Architecture of All Abundance - Seven Foundations to Prosperity” by Lenedra J. Carroll (mother of the singer Jewel). The fifth chapter is entitled “Be Peace”. Nedra escapes the hectic world of managing her daughter’s career to spend three weeks at a retreat where she learns to obtain and keep an internal peace that will remain constant no matter how rough the waters are around her. I know that peace, even world peace, must begin in the heart and soul of each individual. And, as I was reading that chapter, it occurred to me that peace, although a grand and powerful concept, needs only to be a simple action or, perhaps more often, a non-action. Letting someone’s unpleasant statement pass without comment. Allowing someone to be moody without absorbing the mood or even acknowledging it. Releasing the need for someone to be or feel a particular way.
I often take on the burden of trying to make others feel better and usually absorb whatever ill mood I am trying to “cure”. When did it become my job to change the moods and attitudes of all who are part of my life? Why do I so often feel responsible for their negativity, sharp responses and sarcasm? Am I so powerful a person that I can cause or control someone else’s state of mind? Yes, we all influence one another, especially those close to us, to some degree, but surely the degree is less than we often imagine. And, if it isn’t, if someone allows us to control his or her mood so completely, isn’t the fault his and not ours? If someone gives away his or her power like that, we certainly do not need to accept it. Shouldn’t we be busy enough with our own state of being that we don’t have the time or the energy to be controlling or worrying about someone else’s?
I know my need to make everyone happy grew from the death of my mother when I was three months old. I grew up believing that my birth somehow contributed to her early passing. My father was a moody, volatile man and I assumed his anger was the result of losing his wife at a young age and since I felt some responsibility for that loss, I also felt an immense responsibility to make him happier or, at least, less angry. The responsibility I felt carried over to others - why I don’t know. People viewed me as a person with a big heart, open arms and the ability to listen well. Even in elementary school, other children brought their troubles to me. At first I was perplexed, but then I just accepted that they were drawn to me for some reason beyond my understanding. Eventually, all that listening, along with my perceived responsibility for my father’s emotional stability, weighed heavily on me. I was too young to develop the coping skills of counselors, therapists, doctors and nurses, so I suffered in ways an adult, much less a child, should not.
I absorbed the unhappiness, worries and anger of others as a sponge soaks in dirty dish water. The years have taught me a few lessons about boundaries, but old patterns are hard to break. I’ve learned a few coping skills and am able to shake off the problems and negative vibrations from lesser acquaintances, but those closest to me are still a challenge. And, honestly, I don’t want to be cold or uncaring, especially to those I love.
My new Intention is to give up the job of healing and/or absorbing the moods of those around me. I am not, nor do I want to be, nor should I be responsible for the moods, negativity or poor behavior of others. I choose to “be peace”. I can care, I can have empathy, I can offer advice - when asked, but I choose to accept peace for myself and to allow others to find their paths to peace.
And, what does all of this have to do with manifesting? A great deal. When our psyches
are bathed in the negativity absorbed from others, we cannot find and nurture our own well-being. We lose touch with our center, the home of our personal peace. Creative manifestation requires a strong center, a well-defined sense of self and an internal peace.
Today we had a tour of the historical home for sale that I found online - the one I printed photos of and added to my Manifesting Mount Dora Vision Closet. We loved it. But, as I said before, my focus is not on a particular house so I was able to enjoy seeing it without feeling apprehensive about obtaining it. It was fun to imagine living there with “there” representing any home in Mount Dora that we can manifest. Playing games with manifesting can be very powerful way to jump start the process. As adults, we have lost the wonder and joy of playing, of pretending. When we are in that childlike state we are free from all that binds us to “reality” allowing us to enter a state of creating. Touring a house, walking through a car lot, carrying a $100 bill in your pocket, watching movies set in places you want to visit can stimulate your imagination and with imagination comes creativity and with creativity comes manifestation.
I feel peaceful right now. I am writing, there is a full moon, I’ve had an enjoyable day in one of my favorite places and I am having a chai latte while my man enjoys a cappuccino.
The energies are powerful.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
4/3/12 Roots
Since last week was challenging, to say the least, and there were times I felt a little overwhelmed with this whole “being happy to manifest” project, I decided to go back to my “roots”. By that, I mean to go back to when I first started learning about the Law of Attraction and manifesting. I dug out The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and read it again. Truthfully though, my earliest roots of manifestation education, besides the first conversation with my neighbor Kathy about Edwene Gaines, was when my man chose the book “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Refield for me to read. Let’s take a trip back in time.
With no knowledge of the Law of Attraction, I managed to manifest a move and a new place to live without knowing what I was doing. To me, that just proves the power of the Law of Attraction. I was so happy with my new daughter that I climbed out of my martial funk and began living again. My vibrations went from ultra-negative to uber-positive and, without realizing it, I was telling the Universe that I wanted a new life and the Universe responded to my request. But, as often is the case, my new life came with new challenges and worries and I dragged along some of the old ones as left-over baggage. I was happier, but had even more worries.
A year or so after a new man entered my life (I manifested him, too!), we were in St. Augustine for a little R&R and continued a new-found tradition of choosing books for one another. We were in the bookstore Second Read and he chose “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield. He’d never heard of the book, as neither had I, but was drawn to it and thought I would enjoy reading it. I read that book into the dawning hours of the morning. I researched similar books online thinking I would find none or only a few and was amazed when I found lists and lists of books that “people who read The Celestine Prophecy” also read. I began reading them, all the while thinking I was an odd-ball because, other than my neighbor Kathy, I did not believe there was anyone in my city who knew about manifesting and The Law of Attraction.
I had a friend who shared the same profession and hometown as Kathy, so I introduced them and sat in amazement as they started talking about all this manifestation stuff that I thought was a true secret and which I had no idea my other friend new about. Then, at a party, another long time friend struck up a conversation with the other two and I found out that she also knew what they knew. I was shocked. How could it be that my friends had these beliefs, this knowledge, and had never talked to me about it? As they explained, they were careful who they talked to about the Law of Attraction because mainstream people, a/k/a their work cohorts, would think they were nuts.
Shortly after, the video of The Secret was released. My neighbor invited my man and me and my other two friends as well as a room full of other people to watch the movie. I could not believe all those people already knew about manifesting and were wanting to learn more. From there, I progressed to book after book, video after video, class after class. People I did not know would enter my life to discuss the Law of Attraction. Synchronicity was in action.
Yet, still I was struggling with many problems. I worked to release my worries, to believe that answers would arrive. And, they did. One after another, solutions appeared. And, I learned that just because an answer is provided, it does not mean that everything falls into place easily, especially when you fall back into old routines of “not allowing”. There was work, lots of work. I was overwhelmed usually, confused often. But, I made progress, I learned so much and little by little the problems resolved and my life became less stressful. I fell into complacency and although I was still reading and studying, I was not doing as much. And that is why I felt the need to return to the roots of my adventure.
Actually, I think The Secret is one of the less profound books/movies about the Law of Attraction. It is flashy and presented in sound bites that play well with modern audiences, and provides just a superficial explanation of manifesting. But, it does hit the highlights and I enjoyed reading it again. It was nice to revisit the excitement I felt when I first read it.
So, how am I doing? Today I was tired and a little sad and often irritated. I listened to music and repeated affirmations to bring up my vibrations. Should have taken a walk, but I didn’t. Did I become happy? Not really, but I became less sad and less tired. Sometimes happy is just not attainable today - tomorrow, yes, but not today. Sometimes the stars and our planets are not in alignment, sometimes our body chemistry is out of whack, and sometimes we just feel tired of all the junk going on around us. We shut down or get wound up or just can’t stir up enough interest or energy to go beyond the day’s necessary tasks. Downtime is required. Why? Because being happy takes effort and commitment and time, especially when you are not accustomed to being happy, or are at least used to just being neutral. At some point, happy may become my default, no matter what gunk is swirling around me. But, right now, it still takes effort.
My happiest time today? Writing this blog. I feel better than I have all day. I feel stronger.
At this moment, I wish I could start my day over and react differently than I did. But, by thinking that, I am dwelling on the past. It is better to just appreciate what I am feeling right now - because I am happy right now. While writing I removed myself from the negativity and chaos and I was able to be involved in something I love. That is why creativity is one of the best forms of manifestation there is. When in a creative mode, we are centered and focused, naturally tuning out all the superficial noise and chattering and unconsciously shaking off all the negative vibrations and toxic energies. If you want to put the Law of Attraction into action, find something creative to do on a regular basis. Give yourself that gift of happiness.
With no knowledge of the Law of Attraction, I managed to manifest a move and a new place to live without knowing what I was doing. To me, that just proves the power of the Law of Attraction. I was so happy with my new daughter that I climbed out of my martial funk and began living again. My vibrations went from ultra-negative to uber-positive and, without realizing it, I was telling the Universe that I wanted a new life and the Universe responded to my request. But, as often is the case, my new life came with new challenges and worries and I dragged along some of the old ones as left-over baggage. I was happier, but had even more worries.
A year or so after a new man entered my life (I manifested him, too!), we were in St. Augustine for a little R&R and continued a new-found tradition of choosing books for one another. We were in the bookstore Second Read and he chose “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield. He’d never heard of the book, as neither had I, but was drawn to it and thought I would enjoy reading it. I read that book into the dawning hours of the morning. I researched similar books online thinking I would find none or only a few and was amazed when I found lists and lists of books that “people who read The Celestine Prophecy” also read. I began reading them, all the while thinking I was an odd-ball because, other than my neighbor Kathy, I did not believe there was anyone in my city who knew about manifesting and The Law of Attraction.
I had a friend who shared the same profession and hometown as Kathy, so I introduced them and sat in amazement as they started talking about all this manifestation stuff that I thought was a true secret and which I had no idea my other friend new about. Then, at a party, another long time friend struck up a conversation with the other two and I found out that she also knew what they knew. I was shocked. How could it be that my friends had these beliefs, this knowledge, and had never talked to me about it? As they explained, they were careful who they talked to about the Law of Attraction because mainstream people, a/k/a their work cohorts, would think they were nuts.
Shortly after, the video of The Secret was released. My neighbor invited my man and me and my other two friends as well as a room full of other people to watch the movie. I could not believe all those people already knew about manifesting and were wanting to learn more. From there, I progressed to book after book, video after video, class after class. People I did not know would enter my life to discuss the Law of Attraction. Synchronicity was in action.
Yet, still I was struggling with many problems. I worked to release my worries, to believe that answers would arrive. And, they did. One after another, solutions appeared. And, I learned that just because an answer is provided, it does not mean that everything falls into place easily, especially when you fall back into old routines of “not allowing”. There was work, lots of work. I was overwhelmed usually, confused often. But, I made progress, I learned so much and little by little the problems resolved and my life became less stressful. I fell into complacency and although I was still reading and studying, I was not doing as much. And that is why I felt the need to return to the roots of my adventure.
Actually, I think The Secret is one of the less profound books/movies about the Law of Attraction. It is flashy and presented in sound bites that play well with modern audiences, and provides just a superficial explanation of manifesting. But, it does hit the highlights and I enjoyed reading it again. It was nice to revisit the excitement I felt when I first read it.
So, how am I doing? Today I was tired and a little sad and often irritated. I listened to music and repeated affirmations to bring up my vibrations. Should have taken a walk, but I didn’t. Did I become happy? Not really, but I became less sad and less tired. Sometimes happy is just not attainable today - tomorrow, yes, but not today. Sometimes the stars and our planets are not in alignment, sometimes our body chemistry is out of whack, and sometimes we just feel tired of all the junk going on around us. We shut down or get wound up or just can’t stir up enough interest or energy to go beyond the day’s necessary tasks. Downtime is required. Why? Because being happy takes effort and commitment and time, especially when you are not accustomed to being happy, or are at least used to just being neutral. At some point, happy may become my default, no matter what gunk is swirling around me. But, right now, it still takes effort.
My happiest time today? Writing this blog. I feel better than I have all day. I feel stronger.
At this moment, I wish I could start my day over and react differently than I did. But, by thinking that, I am dwelling on the past. It is better to just appreciate what I am feeling right now - because I am happy right now. While writing I removed myself from the negativity and chaos and I was able to be involved in something I love. That is why creativity is one of the best forms of manifestation there is. When in a creative mode, we are centered and focused, naturally tuning out all the superficial noise and chattering and unconsciously shaking off all the negative vibrations and toxic energies. If you want to put the Law of Attraction into action, find something creative to do on a regular basis. Give yourself that gift of happiness.
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